Pak seeks US assistance in nuclear, drone technology

Pakistan's top leadership on Tuesday sought American assistance in the civilian nuclear field and the transfer of drone technology, saying such steps would help address misperceptions about the US and bridge the trust deficit between the two sides.
During a meeting with visiting National I

Pakistan's top leadership on Tuesday sought American assistance in the civilian nuclear field and the transfer of drone technology, saying such steps would help address misperceptions about the US and bridge the trust deficit between the two sides.

During a meeting with visiting National Intelligence Director Dennis C. Blair, President Asif Ali Zardari called on the US to provide assistance in civil nuclear technology to help Pakistan overcome its energy crisis and bridge the trust deficit between the two countries.

Zardari also sought the "early transfer of drone technology to Pakistan" so that the country's security forces could use unmanned spy planes to target militants.

Such operations by Pakistani troops would have "wider public acceptability" than the drone strikes carried out by the US, he said.

"US drone attacks on our soils not only infringe upon Pakistan's sovereignty but also undermine the national consensus (for) the war on militancy," Zardari said.

The president also stressed on the need for "working on a counter-terrorism strategy within the agreed parameters and creating an effective intelligence-sharing mechanism between the two countries".

He asked the US to strengthen and enhance Pakistan's counter-terrorism capabilities through "timely assistance and necessary tools and equipment".

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